The San Diego Chargers will play their regular season opener at home against the Houston Texans on September 9. According to U-T San Diego beat writer Michael Gehlken, Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd could be ready for the season opener.

“Early signs point to the 10th year veteran having a realistic chance to play in the season opener. While it’s too early to say with certainty whether Floyd can play Sept. 9 against the Texans, the strides thus far in rehab have been encouraging.”

Floyd commented on his knee strain, saying “it feels better every day.” Floyd is a big part of San Diego’s offense as he ranked second on the team in receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2010, and led San Diego in receiving yards per game two years ago. Floyd led San Diego in receptions and receiving yards last year, while he ranked third in TD receptions.

San Diego’s next preseason game is against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, which Floyd will not play in. The Lighting Bolts need a healthy Floyd because they lack depth at WR heading into this season. This is mostly due to losing WR Danario Alexander for the season.

One could image how awful San Diego would have been offensively without Floyd or Alexander in 2012. San Diego ranked 22nd in the NFL with 3,606 receiving yards and 30th in yards per reception last year.

Floyd’s health has been a concern throughout his career. In eight seasons with San Diego, he played in all 16 games just one time. San Diego ranked 20th in points per game and 30th in yards per play last year, so they need a healthy Floyd to have a shot at avoiding another dreadful offensive season.